Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, Volume 1,
August 27, 1998

www.ejhs.org

Making a Transition between Elective
Asceticism and Secular Life: A Life-Narrative Study of Former
Roman Catholic Nuns.

Jacqueline "Fran" Fisher, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the lives of 49 former nuns, 29 of whom were interviewed
in depth. It focuses on the sexual aspects of their lives before, during
and after they left the convent life. Detailed quotations, and statistical
data reveal a significant change in their sexual lives, and that these
are emotionally strong women. It shows how they have released themselves
from their vow of chastity and how they have discovered themselves as sexual
beings It illustrates that the practice of taking young women (or
men) from a childhood of indoctrination and expecting them to make life
long commitments and vows in their early 20's is wrong. Many may be called
but few choose to be chosen.